Press Release

OFID receives Prime Minister of Belize
Musa and OFID agree to strengthen ties

 

48/2006 May 17, 2006, Vienna, Austria
Press inquiries:

The Prime Minister of Belize, HE Mr. Said W. Musa, accompanied by HE Mr. Alexander Piletsky, Ambassador of Belize to Austria, last week visited the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID). The distinguished visitors received a warm welcome from Mr. Jamal Nasser Lootah, Chairman of the Governing Board of OFID, and Mr. Suleiman J. Al-Herbish, OFID Director-General. The visit took place to review the country’s development needs and discuss the future thrust of OFID operations in Belize.

Mr. Musa and Mr. Piletsky were briefed on OFID’s activities in Belize, and were assured that OFID was committed to working closely with the country to help it achieve its development goals.

The Prime Minister referred to the country’s signing earlier this year of a US$6 million loan agreement with OFID in support of a multi-pronged poverty reduction project in the Southside area in Belize City, which, he said, would substantially improve the living standards of the local population. He expressed his wish to build stronger links with OFID, in particular, receiving support in developing the country’s private sector, especially the tourism industry, a major contributor to the economy.

Belize and OFID have been partners in development since 1988. In addition to the recently-signed loan, OFID has extended co-financing in transportation projects. Belize is also a participating country in OFID’s joint initiative with UNFPA against HIV/AIDS in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Mr. Musa was in Vienna on the occasion of the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean, which took place on May 12.